In a major political development, it seems that the DMK might be trying to come into some sort of an alliance with the BJP. The DMK has invited BJP president, Amit Shah to the condolence meeting for the former chief minister and DMK supremo, Karunanidhi. This move is being largely seen as an attempt by the DMK to cosy up to the BJP. As per DMK sources, former union minister TR Baalu had personally invited the BJP chief for the condolence meet showing that inviting Amit Shah for the meeting was a major priority for the DMK.
DMK has, however, stated that not much is to be read into the list of speakers who have been invited for the condolence meet. But notwithstanding DMK’s clarification, the invitation in itself speaks volumes of what might be brewing in the state of Tamil Nadu. BJP has also responded to the invitation in a very warm manner. Earlier, it was being speculated that it might be the defence minister, Nirmala Sitharaman who would attend the condolence meet. However, now the DMK has been told by the BJP that Amit Shah will be attending the condolence meet himself. Shah’s presence at the condolence meet is now being seen as a major political development. This invitation is being seen as a loud hint by Stalin of posturing in BJP’s favour during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP also seems to be interested of following a prudent strategy in Tamil Nadu of not going all out and ensuring that the main state players/ regional satraps remain pro-BJP or neutral. This strategy has kicked off in the states of Telangana and Odisha. TRS has been coming closer as far as Telangana is concerned and has shown willingness to form a post-poll alliance with the BJP in the state. Similarly, the BJD seems to be sharing a close and a comfortable rapport with the BJP which will turn out to be a major factor as far as the state of Odisha is concerned during the 2019 general polls. Recently, the BJP-BJD bonhomie was at display during the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman elections when the BJD came out supporting and voting for the BJP candidate. If TRS and BJD can remain neutral and then come closer to the BJP, there is no reason why the same cannot be done with the DMK in the state of Tamil Nadu.
In the recent past, the dynamic between the BJP and the DMK has changed . Prime minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief went to Chennai and attended Karunanidhi’s funeral. Similarly, DMK working president and Karunanidhi’s political successor, Stalin had attended Atal ji’s funeral. Now, this decision to invite the BJP chief for Karunanidhi’s condolence meet to be held on August 30 speaks volumes about how the DMK is trying to come closer to the BJP. BJP has also been reciprocating to the goodwill exchanged by the DMK. It must be borne in mind how Modi had met an ailing Karunanidhi just a month before the R.K. Nagar bypoll. This had triggered a major fear within the Dinakaran faction that the DMK might join hands with the BJP which led to their breaking away.
There is now every possibility of Dinakaran faction growing strong and joining hands with the Congress. Meanwhile, DMK is not letting anything away. It is tight-lipped about its political inclinations and is trying to make most out of this situation. The BJP would hope that the DMK aligns with it, so that, BJP can make up for any losses that it may suffer elsewhere during the 2019 polls.